Systematic Literature Review
The systematic literature review (SLR) is the gold-standard methodology for answering specific clinical questions through comprehensive, transparent, and reproducible evidence synthesis.
What is a Systematic Review?
A systematic review is a research method that:
- Addresses a specific question
- Uses comprehensive search strategies
- Applies explicit inclusion criteria
- Critically appraises included studies
- Synthesizes findings systematically
When to Use
Ideal For
- Clinical effectiveness questions
- Regulatory submissions (FDA, EMA)
- Clinical guideline development
- Health technology assessments
- Pharmaceutical product dossiers
Requirements
- Sufficient time (typically 6-12 months traditionally)
- Clear, focused research question
- Existing primary research to synthesize
- Resources for comprehensive search
EvidAI's SLR Workflow
The 11-Phase Process
| Phase | Traditional | With EvidAI |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | 2-4 weeks | 2-4 hours |
| Search | 2-3 weeks | 2-4 hours |
| Deduplication | 1 week | Automatic |
| Screening | 6-10 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Full-text retrieval | 1-2 weeks | Automated |
| Extraction | 4-6 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Quality assessment | 2-3 weeks | 1 week |
| Synthesis | 2-3 weeks | 3-5 days |
| Report writing | 3-4 weeks | 1 week |
| Total | 12-18 months | 6-8 weeks |
Key Features for SLR
Comprehensive Search
- 80+ database coverage
- Optimized query generation
- Systematic deduplication
Rigorous Screening
- AI-assisted with consensus
- Dual-reviewer support
- PICO highlighting
Complete Extraction
- Structured data forms
- AI pre-population
- Verification workflow
Quality Standards
- Multiple RoB tools
- Evidence grounding
- GRADE integration
Publication Ready
- PRISMA compliance
- Journal templates
- Statistical synthesis
Compliance Standards
PRISMA 2020
EvidAI automatically ensures:
- 27-item checklist completion
- Flow diagram generation
- Reporting transparency
Cochrane Standards
Built-in support for:
- Cochrane Handbook methods
- Review Manager compatibility
- Cochrane-style outputs
Regulatory Requirements
Ready for:
- FDA submission packages
- EMA documentation
- HTA body formats
Deliverables
A complete EvidAI SLR produces:
- ✅ PROSPERO-ready protocol
- ✅ Search documentation
- ✅ PRISMA flow diagram
- ✅ Characteristics tables
- ✅ Risk of bias assessment
- ✅ Forest plots and statistics
- ✅ GRADE evidence profiles
- ✅ Publication-ready manuscript
Best Practices
Planning
- Allow adequate time
- Register protocol prospectively
- Assemble appropriate team
- Define roles clearly
Execution
- Document all decisions
- Follow protocol strictly
- Address amendments transparently
- Maintain audit trail